Exploring Hongju: A Journey Through History
The name Hongju is not unfamiliar in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do.
Places steeped in history are invariably referred to as Hongju, such as Hongju Fortress, Hongju Martyrs' Memorial, Hongju Pilgrimage Path, and the Hongju Millennium Travel Path.
Why is that? Let's explore along the Hongju Fortress.
Hongju is the old name of Hongseong.
It was known as Unju during the Goryeo Dynasty, and in 1012, it was renamed Hongju.
The year 2018 marked 1,000 years since it was called Hongju, dating back to 1018.
During the Japanese occupation, many patriots emerged, leading to the renaming of Hongju to Hongseong.
Notable independence activists like General Kim Jwa-jin and Manhae Han Yong-un were from this region, and the Hongju Uibyeong also fiercely fought against Japanese rule.
▲ Hongseong Hongju Fortress Jo-yangmun
The Hongju Fortress runs through the bustling area of Hongseong.
Of the 1,772 meters of fortress walls, about 800 meters remain, built with stones.
The old Dongheon is now the Hongseong County Office, surrounded by Hongseong Traditional Market and Myeongdong Shopping Area.
There are short courses to explore the Hongju Fortress, as well as a longer route that encompasses modern history.
You can enjoy these routes in your own way, whether short or long.
I took a walk around the Hongju Fortress, experiencing the time of 600 years ago.
▲ Hongju Fortress Hongju Amun
▲ Map of Hongju Fortress
Jo-yangmun serves as the gateway to the Hongju Fortress.
Starting from the Hongseong County Office, it connects to Honghwa Gate across the road.
This historical exploration lasted about an hour.
Jo-yangmun, which was the east gate of Hongju Fortress, has been a gateway to the heart of Hongseong both in the past and present.
The Hongju Fortress has existed since the Three Kingdoms period, with construction beginning during the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty.
It was renovated in 1451 and underwent repairs in 1870.
Some buildings have been restored recently, giving it its current appearance.
Passing the Hongju Amun at the entrance of the Hongseong County Office, you will see the majestic Zelkova tree.
Around the Hongju Fortress, there are protected trees like the Zelkova, pine trees, and willow trees, making it enjoyable to seek out these natural treasures.
▲ Hongseong Zelkova Tree
▲ Anhoedang, the old Dongheon of Hongju Fortress
Behind the current building of the Hongseong County Office, there is a spacious lawn that leads to Anhoedang and Yeohajeong.
Anhoedang served as a resting place for the officials of Hongju.
Renovated during the reign of Gojong, Anhoedang has been preserved to this day.
The name Anhoedang is derived from Confucian teachings, emphasizing respect for elders and love for juniors.
The plaques of Hongju Amun and Anhoedang were originally inscribed by Heungseon Daewongun but were lost and recently recreated.
▲ Hongseong Hongju Fortress
Below the Hongju Fortress walls, there is a small pond accompanied by a pavilion and a protected willow tree.
This was a place where the Hongju magistrates would take breaks while attending to official duties.
The old tree and lotus flowers create a beautiful scene, and you can find inscriptions on the pillars, so be sure to take a closer look.
The lotus flowers bloom throughout the summer, presenting a vibrant landscape.
▲ Yeohajeong Pavilion
▲ Lotus flowers blooming in Yeohajeong pond
The road that runs through the city between Anhoedang and Honghwa Gate leads to the Hongju Fortress water gate.
There is a glass floor to look down, and stairs allow you to explore directly.
The water gate was built to drain water from inside the fortress to the outside.
It is the first water gate confirmed among local fortress towns.
This practical yet scientific structure reflects the wisdom of our ancestors.
▲ Water drainage facility of Hongju Fortress
▲ Hongseong Hongju Fortress
The Hongju Fortress walls extend broadly in a circular shape along the old site of the Hongseong County Office and the spacious lawn.
Walking along the trail, you will explore the historical relics within the fortress.
At the far end is Honghwa Gate, the south gate of Hongju Fortress.
You will find the Hongju Fortress Su-seongbi, the Hongju Fortress stele group, remnants of temples, and monuments commemorating the anti-Japanese movement.
The stele group of Hongju Fortress consists of five commemorative stones for magistrates of Hongju during the mid to late Joseon Dynasty.
The Su-seongbi was erected to commemorate the renovation of Hongju Fortress.
The remnants of the temple reflect the early Joseon's policies of suppressing Buddhism.
Each relic reveals 600 years of Joseon history.
▲ Hongju Fortress stele group
▲ Remnants of the Hongju Fortress temple
The old Hongju Fortress stretches along the city, surrounded by clusters of pine trees and the modern city of 2026.
Sitting on a bench among the pine trees, you can reflect on the past 600 years.
At the center is the Hongju Fortress History Museum, where the 600-year history is more thoroughly introduced.
The Hongju Fortress has been a part of Hongseong for 600 years and more, a time when it was known as Hongju.
Structures and trees like Jo-yangmun, Honghwa Gate, Hongju Amun, Anhoedang, Yeohajeong, and the majestic Zelkova tree remain intact.
A visit to Hongju Fortress is a historical exploration intertwined with the urban landscape, a time travel experience to meet Hongju.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224306389095
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